Weeds seem to appear everywhere, especially after winter and spring rains. They get in the way of your lawn and garden plants and flowers getting the nutrition and water they need. That's why they must go. Spring is a good time to get those weeds under control as part of your lawn maintenance. There are many ways you can do this, but applying a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the most effective weed control strategies. Here's why: For our commercial lawn and garden services here in Memphis, we use high-quality pre-emergent herbicides to control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass that start to infringe on turf, landscaping, agricultural lands, golf courses and other areas. Pre-emergent herbicides weed killers are perfect for spring and fall application. Pre-emergent herbicides are typically applied in the early growing season, which is the springtime. This helps prevent the weed seeds from germinating and becoming full-grown weeds. The pre-emergent herbicide weed control forms a barrier around a weed seed. This makes it nearly impossible for the wee seed to sprout so then it's less likely to grow. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied a few different ways. You can utilize a granular spreader or a pressurized handheld sprayer. Liquid herbicides are often concentrated solutions that have to be mixed with water first. Granular herbicides can be spread and require irrigation to help the granule release the pre-emergent chemical. To help make the pre-emergent work effectively, it's important to aerate the lawn and surrounding area first. Then, apply the weed control substance. This helps the pre-emergent get the seeds to do its work. Watering the pre-emergent also helps it to get into that topsoil layer where the weed seeds tend to germinate. Follow the instructions provided on each pre-emergent weed control solution you select. For all of our commercial clients, we take care of this part of lawn care and maintenance for you to ensure you have the healthiest lawn and garden possible. Contact us today to learn more.

Now that spring has arrived and your garden, trees, shrubs, and lawns are starting to grow again, all this activity will be sure to attract insects. While some are there to help, other insects don't do your garden or lawn any good. That's when you know it's time or insect control strategies. Plus, what you do now in the springtime can help control insects the whole year round. To get started, it's important to know that there are three general strategies you can use for garden insect control. These include physical controls, live controls, and packaged controls. Although each insect control strategy is good, you need one that fits your type of garden and insect issues. This is where it can help to have a professional assist you with your garden and lawn maintenance as they are adept at understanding the best inset control strategy to implement. First, physical pest control manually removes insects. For example, this can involve cutting the larvae of cottonwood borers out of trees or shrubs. Or, soil covers can be placed around your plants' roots. This strategy for insect control can prevent maggots from reaching these roots and destroying the plants. Second, live pest control uses the power of nature to eliminate insects. This involves introducing certain insects that feed on the insects that are destroying your plants. For example ladybugs and praying mantises take care of aphids. Third, you can control insects by using chemicals or packaged pest control products. Focus on non-toxic products before opting for the stronger chemicals. You can also opt for some other alternatives for pest control to help keep insects away from your gardens and lawns the whole year round. These include electronic pest control techniques, including the use of ultrasonic frequencies. Also, you may want to consider organic pest control products that use citric acid or garlic to kill insects. Sesame oil, thyme oil, and clove oil are integral to other types of organic alternatives for relief from pest infestations without damaging your garden. Contact us today if you would like to get professional help in learning how to control insects in spring as well as all year.